Hessle GCSE celebrations
After eighteen months of heartbreaking disruption to their education, our Year 11 students only had one thing on their minds this morning as they arrived to collect their GCSE results; ‘celebration’. Whilst the results collected today were not the outcome of examinations as they might have hoped, that in no way diminishes their success. Every single grade has been hard earned and is thoroughly justified. And was celebrated accordingly. Thankfully the weather joined in the party and the sun shone as most of our Year 11s arrived eagerly and, watched by their teachers, began to open their envelopes. “I have found things tough at times and a lot to deal with without the usual routine of being in school,” said Kieran Longstaff, “but the teachers have been brilliant. I'd like to say thank you to them all.” Those sentiments were echoed by most other students. “All the staff have been amazing during lockdown and have always been on hand offering support” said Emma Book while Sean Appleton Bouskill said, “I have found the past few years up and down but have just got on with it. The support from staff has been fabulous.”
“This has been an extremely challenging time for everyone associated with Hessle High School but we have come through it as a strong and united community,” said Headteacher Mr Groak, “and a great deal of the credit for that is due to our Year 11 students. Throughout the pandemic, they have conducted themselves with remarkable maturity. They have been focussed on their work, dealt well with all of the setbacks thrown at them and have set an incredible example to younger students. Indeed, there have been times when they have given the impression of being an extension of the adult staff. We have been, and always will be, incredibly proud of them.” Also in attendance was the Trust’s new CEO, Lizann Lowson, who joined the students as they received their results. “The school is buzzing!” she said, “I’ve not stopped smiling this morning. The energy and pride amongst staff and students was something special to experience.” In the evening, the students returned to school for their Year 11 Prom. As the students arrived on the red carpet, they were welcomed by a seventeen-piece swing band led by Physics teacher and bandleader, Mr Sellers. Inside, they sampled the various street food available, enjoyed each other’s company and then danced the night away to the sounds of the DJ, celebrating the end of a year that none of them will ever forget.